Hi.

Okay so a nominal penny is a placeholder that is used to evade giving the real EPS?

Another place says the EPS for Virgin Blue is betweeen 18 and 19c.

Do you think I should ditch comparing Qantas to VIrgin Blue and instead compare historical? If so how long ago would be reasonable?

Hi

My historical EPS is the 2004/05 one which is 24.9. The cost was 4.30.

So the PE is 4.30/24.9?
Because my calculator is telling me the PE it is 0.17... I'm thinking it should be a PE of 17, but I don't know where I went wrong

Don't worry I saw my mistake.

The EPS was 24.9 cents not dollars.

Hi! It seems like you have a few questions related to financial terms and comparing companies. Let's break it down and address each question individually:

1. Nominal penny: A nominal penny, or sometimes referred to as a "penny gap," is not specifically related to evading giving the real EPS (Earnings Per Share). It is a term used to indicate a very small amount, typically one cent, in financial reporting. This can be used to demonstrate an improvement in earnings or dividends, even if it is relatively insignificant.

2. EPS for Virgin Blue: The information you mentioned states that the EPS for Virgin Blue is between 18 and 19 cents. EPS measures a company's profitability by dividing its earnings by the number of outstanding shares. In this case, it suggests that Virgin Blue has an EPS in the range of 18 to 19 cents per share.

3. Comparing Qantas and Virgin Blue: Whether to compare Qantas and Virgin Blue or focus on historical data depends on the purpose of your analysis and the specific factors you want to consider. Comparing these two companies can be useful to understand their financial performance, market position, and competitive advantages. On the other hand, comparing historical data can provide insights into the companies' past performance, trends, and potential patterns.

To determine how far back you should look for historical data, consider the timeframe that is relevant to your analysis or the specific factors you want to assess. Generally, it is helpful to look at the past few years or even further back to identify any significant changes or trends in the companies' financial performance.

Remember, comparing companies involves various factors, such as financial ratios, market conditions, industry performance, and company-specific dynamics. It is important to gather relevant information and analyze it effectively to draw meaningful conclusions.